Awful Quote by Patrick Henry
“The Constitution is said to have beautiful features; but when I come to examine these features, Sir, they appear to me horribly frightful. Among other deformities, it has an awful squinting - it squints towards monarchy. And does not this raise indignation in the breast of every true American? Your president may easily become king. . . . Where are your checks in this government? . . . I would rather infinitely - and I am sure most of this convention are of the same opinion - have a king, lords, and commons than a government so replete with such insupportable evils.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788
The Constitution’s flaws make it seem monarchic, risking tyranny.
In simple terms: Constitution appears to favor monarchy.
Key Takeaway
Guard against concentration of power.
Themes
politics
government
constitutional law
Mood
cautionary
patriotic
Type
historical
persuasive
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- citizen activism
- constitutional amendments
- judicial review
Key Concepts
federalism
checks and balances
democratic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect liberty?
- How can citizens engage to improve governance?
A Different Perspective
Some view the Constitution as a living document that can be improved rather than replaced.
